Alfred J. Rhodes 1880-1936

RHODES, HARVEY

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 12/1/2010 at 19:55:44

Alfred Rhodes Business Man, Died Suddenly Sunday Morn.
The community receive a very severe shock Sunday [May 17, 1936] morning when the sudden death of Alfred J. Rhodes, who for almost thirty-five years has been a professional man and later a business man in Estherville, was announced.

Mr. Rhodes was in his place of business during the day and did not complain of illness until evening. When home at the dinner hour he indicated he might not return to the garage. Someone called him and he went down to look after the business. He was not feeling well at the time. Mr. Soper said he came out just before he went home and said, “It looks like it would storm. I would rather be home and I don’t feel very well, I guess I will go.” It is said he tried for five minutes earlier to crank a Ford he was showing at the rear of his garage.

As soon as he arrived home a little after dark, Dr. Clark was called and found Mr. Rhodes in much pain. Later he called and found his patient much relieved. Mrs. Rhodes watched her husband go to sleep and seeing he was apparently all right, dropped off to sleep. At six o’clock in the morning she noticed he had passed away and had probably been dead for about two hours.

Mr. Rhodes came to this city and opened a law office for the practice of his profession. Not having a fancy for the profession, he engaged in the auto business and has been one of the most successful dealers in Iowa. He has the agency for the Buick and the Chevrolet.

For years he has been across the street from the Enterprise office and has been one of our warmest friends and supporters. He was like ourselves, outspoken and very decided in his beliefs. He held no malice after an argument and was a warm friend after as before. He was a student and a gentleman to the last degree. The kind of a loyal friend and business neighbor one will miss for years. To the community, the loss of a business man and a man interested in his community will be great.

Mr. Rhodes was born at Galesville, Wis., in 1880, on Sept. 9th. He was a graduate of the University and its law school in 1902.

On August 9th, 1906, he was united in marriage to Katherine Harvey in Madison, Wis. To this union were born four children, John, Katherine, and twins, Mary and Elizabeth, who with the widow, survive him.

The funeral services were held at his residence on Maple Street Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 P.M. with Rev. Arthur G. Bailey officiating. Interment was made in Oak Hill cemetery. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, May 20, 1936)